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Microfossils from silicified stromatolitic carbonates of the Upper Proterozoic Limestone-Dolomite 'Series', central East GreenlandSilicified flake conglomerates and in situ stratiform stromatolites of the Upper Proterozoic (c. 700-800 Ma) Limestone-Dolomite 'Series', central East Greenland, contain well preserved microfossils. Five stratigraphic horizons within the 1200 m succession contain microbial mat assemblages, providing a broad palaeontological representation of late Proterozoic peritidal mat communities. Comparison of assemblages demonstrates that the taxonomy and diversity of mat builder, dweller, and allochthonous populations all vary considerably within and among horizons. The primary mat builder in most assemblages is Siphonophycus inornatum, a sheath-forming prokaryote of probable but not unequivocally established cyanobacterial affinities. An unusual low diversity unit in Bed 17 is dominated by a different builder, Tenuofilum septatum, while a thin cryptalgal horizon in Bed 18 is built almost exclusively by Siphonophycus kestron. Although variable taphonomic histories contribute to observed assemblage variation, most differences within and among horizons appear to reflect the differential success or failure of individual microbial populations in colonizing different tidal flat microenvironments. Twenty-two taxa are recognized, of which two are described as new: Myxococcoides stragulescens n.sp. and Scissilisphaera gradata n. sp.
Document ID
20040089987
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Green, J. W.
(Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States)
Knoll, A. H.
Swett, K.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Geological magazine
Volume: 126
Issue: 5
ISSN: 0016-7568
Subject Category
Geosciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-893
CONTRACT_GRANT: DPP 83-01226
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Number 52-30
NASA Discipline Exobiology
NASA Program Exobiology
Non-NASA Center

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